Ready to step beyond the slots? If so, table games blend luck with decision-making, thus giving you more control over how you play—and what you risk. In this guide, we cover the essentials for online roulette real money, blackjack, baccarat, and craps; moreover, you’ll get smart bankroll tips to keep sessions fun and sustainable. Ultimately, these fundamentals help you play table games with confidence.
Isla Elwick
In short, table games are casino titles played on a felt or live table (or their digital twins) where you place chips on outcomes, and the dealer or software resolves the result. By contrast, unlike pure chance games, many table games also reward basic strategy and smart bet selection; therefore, your decisions can meaningfully influence results over time. Knowledge as much as luck makes a difference when playing table games from online roulette real money to blackjack.
The wheels & house edge
European (single-zero, 0): 37 pockets → house edge ~2.70%
American (double-zero, 0 & 00): 38 pockets → house edge ~5.26%
French (single-zero): effective edge on even-money bets ~1.35%.
Bet types & standard payouts
Inside bets (higher risk, higher payout)
Straight (1 number): 35:1
Split (2 numbers): 17:1
Street (3 numbers): 11:1
Corner (4 numbers): 8:1
Line (6 numbers): 5:1
Outside bets (lower risk, lower payout)
Columns / Dozens (12 numbers): 2:1
Red/Black, Odd/Even, Low/High (18 numbers): 1:1
A simple online roulette real money game plan
1) Choose the wheel wisely: Single-zero > double-zero. French rules are a bonus.
2) Prefer outside bets if you want steadier results and lower volatility.
3) Avoid betting systems (e.g., Martingale). They don’t change the edge; they just change risk.
4) Bankroll units: Stake ~1–2% of your session bankroll per spin.
5) Mind table limits: Ensure your unit size fits the min/max so you’re never forced out of a plan.
New to blackjack—or ready to sharpen your edge? This guide hits the essentials fast. First, learn hand values, dealer actions, and table flow; then master basic strategy to slash the house edge. Moreover, we decode rule variants—3:2 vs 6:5 payouts, S17 vs H17, decks in play, surrender, and double-after-split—so you can pick profitable tables. Next, explore live dealer and multi-hand blackjack, while understanding why most side bets carry higher edges. Additionally, apply bankroll tips: unit sizing, stop-loss/stop-win, and session planning. However, no betting system beats math—discipline does. Finally, practice with free demos and play only at reputable casinos with fast payouts and safer-gambling tools. Ultimately, play blackjack confidently.
Goal: Beat the dealer without going over 21.
House edge: ~0.5% with basic strategy under common rules, but rules matter (decks, dealer hits/stands on soft 17, doubling/splitting options).
Your edge lever: Learn basic strategy (what to hit/stand/split/double) for the exact rules you’re playing.
Side bets: Fun but usually much higher edge—treat as optional entertainment.
Check out our card games for more information on blackjack.
1) Table selection & core strategy
To begin with, pick player-friendly blackjack rules: 3:2 blackjack, dealer stands on 17 (S17), double after split, late surrender, and fewer decks. Then, follow a basic-strategy chart—no guessing. For example, always split A-A and 8-8, double 10 or 11 versus dealer 4–6, and stand on hard 12+ when the dealer shows 4–6. Moreover, avoid 6:5 payouts and continuous shufflers that boost the house edge. Finally, practice in free blackjack demos until decisions are automatic; speed and accuracy are the real “tricks.”
2) Bankroll, bets & session control
Secondly, treat your blackjack bankroll like inventory. Generally, wager only 1–2% per hand and never chase losses. Instead, set a stop-loss (5–10 units) and a realistic stop-win to lock profits. Moreover, skip Martingale and other progressions—they magnify variance. If you must ramp bets, do it modestly in live shoes when tens/aces seem rich, not after random losses. Additionally, take short breaks to reset; fatigue breeds errors. Ultimately, disciplined bet sizing plus error-free blackjack strategy outperforms flashy systems.
3) High-impact decision tweaks
Next, small blackjack edges compound. Specifically, use late surrender with hard 16 versus dealer 9–A (except 8-8—split). Likewise, double more soft hands: A-2 through A-7 vs 5–6 (and A-7 vs 3–6 in many S17 games). Meanwhile, avoid insurance unless you’re counting; it’s negative EV in blackjack. Furthermore, split 9-9 vs 2–9 (not 7), and never split 5-5 or 10-10. When unsure, trust the chart, not hunches. In short, precise doubles, smart splits, and selective surrender shave the house edge meaningfully.
New to baccarat—or ready to refine your edge? Our baccarat guides help Kiwi players master the basics and beyond. First, we explain how hands are dealt and third-card rules; then we show smart betting and bankroll tips. Moreover, we compare Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Mini Baccarat. For New Zealand play, you’ll find NZD-friendly online casinos, live dealer tables, and mobile advice. However, no system beats math; therefore, we focus on optimal choices—Banker vs Player, side bets, and table selection. In addition, we include RTP insights, volatility notes, and common myths debunked. Ultimately, this baccarat section helps you practice for free or play for real money with confidence.
Bets: Banker, Player, or Tie.
House edge: Banker ~1.06%, Player ~1.24%. Tie is usually poor value (8:1 payout → ~14% edge; 9:1 → ~4.8%).
Play smart: Back Banker most often; avoid Tie unless the paytable is unusually generous.
Why this works: In baccarat, the Banker bet typically charges a 5% commission, yet it still has the best expected value. Moreover, the third-card rule is automatic, so focus on table limits and paytables. Additionally, skip most side bets (e.g., Pair/Perfect Pair/Dragon) because their edges are higher. For NZ players, live or speed baccarat with NZD banking and clear 9:1 Tie tables can be a plus.
First, back Banker most often—it carries ~1.06% house edge. Next, use Player sparingly for variety, and avoid Tie unless it pays 9:1 (8:1 is ~14% house edge). Moreover, check the paytable: classic 5% commission vs “no-commission” baccarat (where Banker wins on 6 pay 1:2). Additionally, keep stakes flat (1–2% of bankroll per hand); however, skip Martingale and other progressions. Furthermore, ignore roadmaps and streak-chasing—baccarat outcomes are independent. Where possible, choose fewer-deck shoes (marginally better odds) and tables with clear NZD banking and fast withdrawals. Before risking cash, practice on free baccarat demos, then switch to live dealer if you prefer a steadier pace. Finally, set win/stop-loss limits and use responsible-gambling tools—because smart control beats “systems.”
This NZ-focused guide explains how to play craps from the first “come-out” roll to setting the point. First, master the core wagers: Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come; then add the Odds bet (0% house edge) to keep your advantage sharp. Moreover, we break down payouts, craps odds, and table etiquette, while showing why flashy prop bets carry a much higher house edge. Additionally, you’ll get bankroll tips (1–2% unit sizing, stop-loss/stop-win) and NZ-friendly advice on online craps and live-dealer alternatives, including fast NZD banking and mobile play. Finally, practice on free demos, avoid Martingale systems, and roll with a plan—so you can enjoy real-money craps in New Zealand confidently.
Start with Pass Line (1.41% edge) or Don’t Pass (1.36%).
If available, take Odds behind Pass/Come (0% edge on Odds reduces total edge).
Place 6/8 are solid (~1.52%).
Avoid one-roll props (e.g., Any 7) with double-digit edges.
First, stick to low-edge bets: Pass Line + free Odds (0% on Odds) or, even better, Don’t Pass/Don’t Come if the table vibe allows. Next, add selective Place 6/8—they’re efficient, while 5/9/4/10 cost more. Moreover, know the common 3-4-5x Odds structure and always take full Odds when bankroll permits. However, avoid prop bets (Any 7, hardways, horn); their house edges jump to 9–16%+. Additionally, manage your bankroll: wager 1–2% per roll, set stop-loss/stop-win, and skip Martingale. For smoother real-money craps, buy in at 20–30× the table minimum and use Come bets to build multiple points gradually. Finally, mind etiquette—dice in one hand, hit the back wall—and practice with free craps demos before you roll.
In a live dealer casino, real croupiers run games in a studio and stream them to you in real time; therefore, play feels social and authentic, with features like chat, multiple camera angles, and real cards/wheels. By contrast, RNG (random number generator) games are fully digital; outcomes are produced instantly by certified software, so rounds are faster and bet limits are often lower. Moreover, RNG titles are ideal for quick sessions, autoplay, and learning rules in demo mode. However, live dealer tables suit players who value immersion and visible dealing. Additionally, both formats are fair—RNGs are lab-tested, while live streams use real equipment. Ultimately, New Zealand players can mix both for speed and realism.
House edge is the casino’s long-term advantage on a bet type (e.g., European roulette ~2.70%).
RTP = 100% − house edge (over many bets).
Variance (volatility): Inside roulette bets, side bets, and poker bonus bets swing more. Manage stake size accordingly.
Practical rules:
Set a session budget and a time limit.
Use 1–2% units of your bankroll per wager.
Pre-decide a stop-loss and stop-win (e.g., −3 units / +5 units).
“Due” numbers (roulette): Independent spins; no number is “overdue.”
Betting systems: Don’t beat house edge; they only shift risk.
Hot/cold dealers: Results don’t carry memory (RNG or fair live tables).
Begin by setting clear boundaries: assign a weekly budget, pick modest stake sizes, and schedule short breaks. Then, avoid chasing losses—swings are part of the game. Enable safety tools such as deposit/loss caps, reality reminders, and time-outs (or self-exclusion if needed). Keep gambling funds ring-fenced from everyday money for clarity. Most importantly, treat play as leisure—not income—and only risk what you can comfortably spare. If pressure or worry creeps in, act early: reduce limits, take a cooling-off period, or speak with a trusted support service.
Choose European (single zero) when possible (~2.70% house edge). French roulette is even better on even-money bets if it uses La Partage/En Prison (effective ~1.35%). American (double zero) has a higher edge (~5.26%), so avoid it if you can when playing in casinos for online roulette New Zealand.
No system beats the house edge. Progressions only change risk and variance, not long-term expected value. Use them for money management, not as a profit guarantee when you are playing online roulette real money casinos.
With correct basic strategy, blackjack can get the edge to around 0.5% (rules dependent). In baccarat, the Banker bet is strong (~1.06% edge). In craps, stick to Pass/Don’t Pass + Odds (Odds have 0% edge).
RNG (digital) games use certified random number generators—faster and often lower minimums. Live dealer streams real tables—more social, slightly slower. In both, look for licensing and independent testing (eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI).
Set a session budget, stake 1–2% per bet, and pre-define stop-loss/stop-win limits. Avoid chasing losses, and remember side bets usually carry higher house edges.
Choose reputable sites that accept NZ players, display a valid licence, use SSL (HTTPS), and publish testing certificates. Always read T&Cs and use safer-gambling tools (deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion) to keep play in control.
